Iowa State tops Kansas on Senior Day

AMES, Iowa – The Iowa State Cyclone swimming and diving team (7-3-1, 2-1 Big 12) stormed back to claim a win over conference rival Kansas (7-5, 0-2 Big 12) after starting the day with a 1-point deficit, 163.5-136.5.

Including first places finishes in the 1-meter and 50 freestyle events last night, the Cyclones touched the wall first in six-consecutive events to take their largest lead of the contest, 126.5-99.5, with four events left on the schedule.

“We had the opportunity to win the first four events of this morning’s session, and we took advantage of that opportunity,” Iowa State head swimming coach Duane Sorenson said. “All of the races were contested, but we got our hands to the wall first.”

Sorenson, now in his 17th season at the helm of the program, said that this year’s team is one of the most competitive in Iowa State history.

The top breaststroker in the Iowa State record books, Imelda Wistey, had a veteran performance on senior day by taking first in the 200 breaststroke with a time of 2:20.69 and a third place finish in the 200 IM with a time of 2:09.82.

“It’s such an emotional day, and (Wistey) just kept her composure and kept her stroke together,” Sorenson said of his senior leader. “She finished off like the true champion that she is.”

In the diving well, Iowa State sophomore Elyse Brouillette took first in the 3-meter event in convincing fashion, outscoring second-place finisher Alysa Golden of Kansas by 40.87 with a score of 312.22. Brouillette came off a scratched performance on day one.

“I came into today trying to erase yesterday from my mind,” Brouillette said. “I’ve just got to come in, have fun, and do what I do.”

Junior Amanda Paulson and freshman Brooke Evensen got things started for the Cyclones with a one-three finish in the 100 freestyle with times of 0:51.46 and 0:52.88, respectively.

Canada native Karyl Clarete outpaced the field in the 500 freestyle with a time of 4:56.95 to claim the largest lead of the contest for Iowa State, 126.5-99.5. The Cyclones finished today’s session with a first-place finish in the 400 freestyle relay behind Evensen, Paulson, Savanna Townsend, and Clarete who touched in a time of 2:28.90.

Seven Iowa State seniors competed in their final competition at Beyer Hall. Wistey, who claimed her 68th career first place finish today, was among them.

“I feel so blessed. I don’t think words can describe how grateful I am for this team,” Wistey said. “I wouldn’t have been able to do the things that I have done if it weren’t for this team.”